Paint with me Kimberly Keller

In time her boyfriend decided to attend Southwestern as well. The two married between semesters. She graduated in 1985, and he graduated in 1986.

Keller got her degree in education and began teaching in Georgetown, which she continued until September 2013 when she quit after her father was diagnosed with cancer for the third time.

Her father died Nov. 11 she said.

After a few months of grieving she said she knew she had to get back into a routine. She said her options were to teach or open a studio. She chose the studio and opened her new business March 1.

I felt like this was calling me because my happiest times were painting. I knew that painting would heal me, she said. So I went to small-business school, workshops, read online, tried to figure out how to do my own business. ... [I] read things I never really cared about but knew I had to know.

The artist attributes much of her success to her alma mater and still regularly practices what her professors preached. For example, she said she finds inspiration for her art everywhere.

I have an inner artist and it talks to me. The secret is learning to listen and not silence it, she said. If you listen to that inner artist it will tell you what to do, and I got that from the Southwestern professors. They said, Listen to your heart, listen to your inner voice and be passionate.

She teaches the same philosophy in painting classes at her studio, which can be attended privately or in groups. Keller also offers summer and weekend camps for children.

Interested painters are encouraged to create their own theme for their session with Keller.

You can come in and say, I want to paint hippos because Im from Hutto, she said. You tell me what you want to paint, and thats what well paint.

Parties are typically $40 per person and include canvases that are 16 inches by 20 inches in size and all of the necessary supplies. For parties of 10 or more Keller charges $30 per person. Prices do occasionally vary based on projects and canvas size.

Paint with me Kimberly Keller

114 E. Seventh St. (inside Beauty Escape Salon & Day Spa)

512-635-7936

www.paintwithmekeller.com

Hours vary